Over The Counter with Mark & Ben

Mark and Ben return for the final episode of Season 2 of Over The Counter and this one was recorded completely live on TikTok. No edits, no safety net and no idea where the conversation would end up.After the weekly check in, the lads are joined live by Ange, Aish, Raj the Pharmacist and Judas for chats covering recovery, social media, life updates and plenty of unpredictable moments along the way.To finish off the season, things take a turn with a game of “Would You Rather: Mark or Ben” as the live audience gets involved in the final moments of Season 2.If you joined live, you were part of the episode.Follow us on:TikTokOver The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otcMark: @markbyfearoBen: @stageoversubstanceInstagramMark: @markfearoBen: @thec0deinediariesFacebookMark: www.facebook.com/markbyfearo

It’s the penultimate episode of the season, and things are starting to come full circle.Mark and Ben talk through the build-up to Ben reaching one year off codeine, reflecting on where their journeys first began to overlap and how that connection has shaped everything since. Ben also brings in a piece of audio he’s chosen himself, which takes the conversation in a direction Mark wasn’t expecting.They’re then joined by Abby, who returns to the podcast after previously sharing her recovery from codeine. This time, she opens up further about other substances she struggled with, and where life is heading now both personally and within the recovery and social media space.An honest check-in, a few surprises, and a look at what comes next as the season draws to a close.Follow us on:TikTokOver The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otcMark: @markrebuildsBen: @stageoversubstanceInstagramMark: @markfearoBen: @thec0deinediariesFacebookMark: www.facebook.com/markswellness

Mark and Ben kick things off with a proper check-in on where life is at right now, what’s been going well, and what’s been challenging.They then dive into a recent article that breaks down how addiction actually affects the brain, and why it goes far beyond just “choice” or willpower. It leads into an honest conversation about their own experiences and when things shifted from control to compulsion.In the second half of the episode, Ben’s mum joins the conversation to share what it was like from a parent’s perspective. From the early signs to the hardest moments, and what recovery has looked like through her eyes.A real and important episode that looks at addiction from both sides.Article mentioned in episode:https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260305223211.htmYou can follow us on:TikTokOver The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otcMark: @markrebuildsBen: @stageoversubstanceInstagramMark: @markfearoBen: @thec0deinediariesFacebookMark: www.facebook.com/markswellness

After a short break since Episode 6, we’re back with a proper check-in and an honest conversation about where things are heading next.Recovery will always be part of our story, but it’s no longer the whole story. In this episode, we talk about moving forward, what that looks like for us, and what it means for the future of the podcast.We also dive into a recent Guardian article on exercise addiction and ask a real question. When does something that helped your recovery start to become another problem?To round things off, we’re joined by Marcus from Mean and Clean. Marcus shares his own experience with addiction and how he’s now helping others through it with his programme.If you’ve ever questioned what comes after recovery, or where the line is between discipline and obsession, this one’s worth a listen.You can follow us on:TikTokOver The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otcMark: @markrebuildsBen: @stageoversubstanceMarcus: @meanandcleanukInstagramMark: @markfearoBen: @thec0deinediariesMarcus: @meanandcleanukFacebookMark: www.facebook.com/markswellnessGuardian article mentioned in the podcast:https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/mar/29/[email protected]

Episode 6 is a different one. No guest, no holding back. Just Mark and Ben going deeper than they ever have before.From the reality of online dating in recovery to the weight of low self belief, this conversation goes into the places that are usually kept quiet. Mark opens up in a way that might surprise people, and Ben does what Ben does best by asking the questions that matter.There is also a first for the podcast as Mark takes on the Addiction Recovery Olympic Games. Let’s just say it does not go exactly how he imagined.The lads also react to an audio clip from a TikTok video Mark came across by @healingwithzach, which sparks a raw and honest discussion around healing, ego, and what recovery really looks like behind closed doors.This episode is funny in parts, uncomfortable in others, but completely real throughout. If you have ever struggled with confidence, dating, identity, or just figuring out who you are without substances, this one will hit home.As always, this is recovery over the counter.You can follow us on:TiktokOver The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otcMark: @markrebuildsBen: @stageoversubstanceInstagramMark: @markfearoBen: @[email protected]

Episode 5 of Over The Counter sees Mark and Ben sitting down for an honest chat about their recovery from codeine, reflecting on where they are now and what has changed since the early days. They are joined by Stevie, who listeners will remember from Season 1, bringing her straight talking perspective and lived experience to the conversation.The lads listen to an audio clip from Gabor Maté which sparks a deeper discussion around addiction, trauma and the why behind substance use. They also explore fascinating new research from the University of Glasgow, where scientists are studying opioid addiction at a brain circuit level, looking at not just that opioids are addictive, but why. The research suggests it may be possible for the drug to still work for pain while reducing the reward hit that drives addiction, opening up big questions about the future of treatment.There is plenty of insight, a few uncomfortable truths, and of course Ben throws in a surprise game for Stevie that brings some much needed laughter to balance out the heavier topics. As always, it is real, reflective and unfiltered.You can follow us on:TiktokOver The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otcMark: @markmyrecoveryBen: @thecodeinediariesStevie: @stevie_marie12InstagramMark: @markfearoBen: @[email protected]

Mark and Ben kick things off with a proper weekly check in. Mark opens up about dealing with an injury this week and managing it without using codeine for the first time, while Ben shares about the medication he has recently been prescribed for his restless legs and how that has been affecting him.They then dive into a fascinating study showing that people who quit smoking cigarettes are significantly more likely to maintain long term recovery from other substance addictions like alcohol or drugs compared to those who continue smoking. It sparks a bigger conversation about habits, identity shifts and what sustained recovery really takes.We’re then joined by Abby, who opens up about her ketamine addiction, how it escalated, and what recovery has looked like for her. She also talks about why she is now using her platform to raise awareness about the very real dangers of ketamine use.Real conversations. Real recovery. No filters.You can follow us on:TiktokOver The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otcMark: @markmyrecoveryBen: @thecodeinediariesAbby: @tranquilnottranquilisedInstagramMark: @markfearoBen: @[email protected]

Mark and Ben kick things off with an update about a milestone Ben reached this week in his recovery journeyWe hear a powerful audio clip from Gabor Maté, who talks about always in recovery or is it possible to be recovered? We’re then joined by James, who shares his story of addiction and what was the real reason behind his recovery.Real conversations. Real recovery. No filters.You can follow us on:TiktokOver The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otcMark: @markmyrecoveryBen: @thecodeinediariesJames: @addictedtopeaceInstagramMark: @markfearoBen: @thec0deinediariesJames: @[email protected]

Mark and Ben kick things off with an honest check in on where they are at in their recovery journeys right now.We hear a powerful audio clip from Gabor Maté, challenging us to stop asking what’s wrong with addiction and start asking what’s right with it, opening up a deeper understanding of why we use.We’re then joined by Aish, who shares her recovery from alcohol and what that journey has really looked like behind the scenes.The episode wraps with a discussion around an article linking good nutrition to stronger recovery outcomes and lower relapse rates, exploring how what we put into our bodies can support what we’re trying to change.Real conversations. Real recovery. No filters.You can follow us on:TiktokOver The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otcMark: @markmyrecoveryBen: @thecodeinediariesAish: @kindathrivinaishAish's new Podcast: @thesoberseatpodInstagramMark: @markfearoBen: @thec0deinediaries** Aish's new Podcast is called The Sober Seat. Launching soon **[email protected]

Season 2 is here and Mark and Ben are back checking in honestly on their recovery journeys and where life has taken them since Season 1.This season opens up the conversation beyond codeine as we welcome Cocaine Shane, who shares his recovery journey from cocaine addiction and how he uses social media to stay accountable and help others feel less alone.We also dive into a powerful real life story about a man who turned his life around from addiction to running a rehab centre, breaking down what change really looks like and why recovery is possible, even when it feels out of reach.Real conversations. No filters. Just recovery as it really is.You can follow us on:TiktokOver The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otcMark: @markmyrecoveryBen: @thecodeinediariesShane: @shanesas86InstagramMark: @markfearoBen: @[email protected]

We are back for a Christmas special. Mark and Ben bring us up to date on their Codeine Addiction Recovery journeys. Mark is now 13 months Codeine free, Ben at 8 months.We also welcome Stevie Marie back to the Podcast for a Christmas Chat. We learn how Stevie is dealing with a rise in the number of Troll comments being directed her way on Social Media! Ben has a Festive game for us to play too!!Season 2 will start in the New Year.If you would like us to talk about a particular part of Codeine recovery please contact us by our socials or email listed below.You can follow us on:TiktokOver The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otcMark: @markmyrecoveryBen: @thecodeinediariesStevie: @stevie_marie12InstagramMark: @markfearoBen: @thec0deinediaries

For Season One's final episode we record the Podcast Live on Tiktok. We chat with past guests and people who have been part of our Recovery Journey over the past year.We will be back for Season 2 in a little while where we open the Podcast to talk about Addiciton as a whole. While we will still be talking about Codeine we just want to include other addictions people have been battling with.Thank you for your support for Season One. We have both loved the experience of recording this Podcast!You can follow us on:TiktokOver The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otcMark: @marksrecoveryBen: @thecodeinediariesInstagramMark: @markfearoBen: @[email protected]

We chat about why we both took Codeine.Interesting to hear what it was about being on Codeine that held that power to bring both of us to places we never thought possible.We chat about about a listener who has been following our recovery Journeys on our Socials.Then Trolls of the week is back and its a good one!!If you would like us to talk about a particular part of Codeine recovery please contact us by our socials or email listed below.You can follow us on:TiktokOver The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otcMark: @marksrecoveryBen: @thecodeinediariesInstagramMark: @markfearoBen: @[email protected]

We chat about are Relapse in Codeine Recovery. It can be a vital tool in becoming clean. We chat about why this is.Bens wife Donna joins the Podcast today to talk about the impact Addiction has on those closest to us.Then Trolls of the week is back!!If you would like us to talk about a particular part of Codeine recovery please contact us by our socials or email listed below.You can follow us on:TiktokOver The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otcMark: @marksrecoveryBen: @thecodeinediariesInstagramMark: @markfearoBen: @[email protected]

We chat about are we Recovering or Recovered? Mark and Ben have two different opinions on this topic!We share a listeners story of how they came to be addicted to Codeine and the Recovery Journey they went through.Then Trolls of the week is back!! If you would like us to talk about a particular part of Codeine recovery please contact us by our socials or email listed below.You can follow us on:TiktokOver The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otcMark: @marksrecoveryBen: @thecodeinediariesInstagramMark: @markfearoBen: @[email protected]

We chat about Doing Recovery Wrong? Is this possible?We also welcome Nadia AKA The Prescribed Dose on Tiktok. Nadia is a pharmacist with a wealth of knowledge when it comes to Codeine OTC and by prescription. We also have a surprise game for Mark at the end of the episode! If you would like us to talk about a particular part of Codeine recovery please contact us by our socials or email listed below.You can follow us on:TiktokOver The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otcMark: @marksrecoveryBen: @thecodeinediariesNadia: @theprescribeddoseInstagramMark: @markfearoBen: @[email protected]

We chat about the role Social Media has had in our recovery journeys from Codeine Addiction.We also welcome Stevie Marie back to the Podcast. Stevie talks about Restless legs on this weeks episode. Why we get them in Codeine withdrawals and if there is anything we can do to help them.Then we have our weekly segment, Trolls of the Week!! A collection of comments left on our social media accounts!If you would like us to talk about a particular part of Codeine recovery please contact us by our socials or email listed below.You can follow us on:TiktokOver The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otcMark: @marksrecoveryBen: @thecodeinediariesStevie: @stevie_marie12InstagramMark: @markfearoBen: @[email protected]

Life after Codeine Addiction. Mark and Ben talk about their life now that Codeine is in the past.We also welcome Abby to our Podcast. Abby recently started documenting her journey off Codeine on Tiktok. Her content has been helping many currently struck on Codeine.Then we have our weekly segment, Trolls of the Week!! A collection of comments left on our social media accounts!If you would like us to talk about a particular part of Codeine recovery please contact us by our socials or email listed below.You can follow us on:TiktokOver The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otcMark: @marksrecoveryBen: @thecodeinediariesAbby: @wedocomebackk / @wedocomeback2InstagramMark: @markfearoBen: @thec0deinediariesAbby: @[email protected]

Am I addicted to Codeine? Something we are asked all the time! Here is our take on answering that question.We also welcome Stevie Marie to our Podcast. Stevie is a Chronic Pain sufferer and became addicted to Codeine as a result. She talks about her journey off Codeine.Then we have our new weekly segment, Trolls of the Week!! A collection of comments left on our social media accounts!If you would like us to talk about a particular part of Codeine recovery please contact us by our socials or email listed below.You can follow us on:Tiktok Over The Counter: @mark.and.ben.otcMark: @marksrecoveryBen: @thecodeinediariesInstagramMark: @markfearoBen: @[email protected]

Meet Mark & Ben. Hear their stories of battling Codeine Addiction in Secret. What it almost cost them. And how life is being Codeine free.